Donald Provost Dillaway (March 17, 1903 – November 18, 1982) was an American stage and film actor.
Early years
Dillaway's mother, billed as Nettie Gordon, sang in vaudeville. Because she and his father insisted on a professional career for him, he studied law in Buffalo. He disliked that profession so much, however, that he moved to New York. Eventually his parents accepted his preference for entertaining and encouraged him in that career.[1]
Career
Dillaway had numerous appearances on Broadway. His Broadway debut came in The Backslapper (1925).[2]
In 1927, Dillaway was one of seven actors who were found guilty in New York City of participating in the production of an obscene play, The Virgin Man. They received suspended sentences, and three producers of the play were fined $250 each and sentenced to 10 days in the workhouse.[3]
In 1928, Dillaway acted with the Lakewood Players.[4] He also acted with Otis Skinner in Papa Juan for two seasons.[5]
Dillaway's film debut came in Meet the Widow (1930).[5] He had supporting roles in several films of the 1930s, including Pack Up Your Troubles in 1932, the second feature film from Laurel and Hardy. His roles became gradually smaller in the 1940s and 1950s, usually uncredited bit parts.
After he left acting, Dillaway worked as head of RKO's New Talent Department, and he was an agent for actors. Later he had his own real estate agency.[6]
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